Best family films on Disney Plus to watch in 2023

Our list of the 29 best movies on Disney Plus includes a mix of sing-a-long classics, modern twists on old favourites and animated adventures to entertain the whole family. From Encanto, Frozen and Inside Out to The Lion King, Lightyear and Red Panda. Time to grab the popcorn, kick your feet up and curl up under a blanket to watch your chosen film.

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Best family films on Disney Plus at a glance

We've chosen films that are rated either U or PG. Films rated U are suitable for children of all ages so they are perfect for the whole family to watch together. PG-rated films feature some material that may not be suitable for young children. If in doubt, choose a movie rated U or watch the film beforehand (without your child present) so you can decide if it's appropriate for them.

The movies are in no particular order. If you want to see running times, age ratings, release dates and a small synopsis, you can read our round-ups below.

Rated U:

• Encanto (2021)
• Inside Out (2015)
• Ratatouille (2007)
• Aladdin (1992)
• Luca (2021)
• The Lion King (1994)
• The Incredibles (2004)
• WALL-E (2008)
• Finding Nemo (2003)
• Peter Pan (1953)
• Cinderella (1950)
• One Hundred and One Dalmatians (1961)
• The Muppets (2011)

Rated PG:

• Toy Story (1995)
• Dumbo (2019)
• The Little Mermaid (2023)
• Zootopia (2016)
• Ice Age (2002)
• Christopher Robin (2018)
• Moana (2016)
• Pinocchio (2022)
• Turning Red (2022)
• Raya and The Last Dragon (2021)
• Soul (2020)
• Enchanted (2007)
• Frozen (2013)
• Lightyear (2022)
• Monsters, Inc. (2001)
• Holes (2003)

Best family films to watch on Disney Plus in 2023

Here's our round-up of the 29 best films on Disney Plus:

Rated U:

Encanto (2021)

Age rating: U | Running time: 1 hour 49 minutes

The Madrigal family lives in the magical town of Encanto in Columbia where each child in the family is bestowed with a magical gift – every child except Mirabel. When Mirabel discovers the family's magical town is in danger, she embarks on an adventure to save it.

Encanto is an animation that will take your family on a whirlwind of South American enchantment as Mirabel unravels the secrets behind her family's power and seeks one of her own. There's plenty of humour for adults as well as children and brilliant songs by Lin-Manuel Miranda, who also wrote and composed Moana and the musical Hamilton.

Inside Out (2015)

Age rating: U | Running time: 1 hour 35 minutes

A modern day classic, Inside Out is an ingenious family movie with plenty for adults to enjoy as well as children. The film looks inside the mind of 11-year-old Riley, where joy, sadness, fear, anger, and disgust guide her emotions.

When joy and sadness get lost in the depths of Riley’s mind, they must navigate back through her memories and experiences to try and restore emotional harmony. Inside Out 2 is set to come out in 2024.

Ratatouille (2007)

Age rating: U | Running time: 1 hour 51 minutes

Remy, a rat with an exceptional sense of taste, dreams of becoming a chef in Paris in this Disney Pixar animation.

Rats are hated in kitchens the world over, but Remy can cook under the guise of Linguini, a young kitchen worker he befriends. Together they embark on a flavourful adventure, on a mission to become the best chefs in Paris.

Children will love the slapstick humour and rooting for this unlikely hero. And there's an abundance of laughs aimed specifically at adults, making this an ideal family movie.

Aladdin (1992)

Age rating: U | Running time: 1 hour 30 minutes

This classic Disney film follows the story of street urchin Aladdin, who discovers a mysterious lamp containing a powerful genie. The genie helps Aladdin and gives him 3 wishes, one of these transforming him into a prince to win the heart of Princess Jasmine.

Aladdin has to dodge the treacherous plans of the wicked Jafar and stop the crook from getting hold of the lamp and destroying the genie.

It's fun to watch the films from your childhood with your own children, and Robin Willams' genie, in particular, stands the test of time.

A live-action remake of Aladdin (2019) is also on Disney Plus, rated PG.

Luca (2021)

Age rating: U | Running time: 1 hour 35 minutes

This animated adventure is great for children of all ages and follows the adventures of a young Italian boy, Luca. He has the summer that most children dream of and spends it riding around on his scooter, eating ice cream, and scoffing pasta.

However, while all seems good on the outside, Luca is actually hiding a secret. He is a sea monster from another world. This film follows his friendship best friend Alberto and how their friendship blossoms despite him being a different creature.

The Lion King (1994)

Age rating: U | Running time: 1 hour 28 minutes

One of Disney’s most celebrated films of all time is The Lion King. Whether you're watching it for the first time or the hundredth, this Savannah-based masterpiece will make the whole family laugh, cry and sing.

The story follows Simba, a young lion prince, who must confront his past and overcome adversity to claim his rightful place as king of the Pride Lands. With the help of his friends Timon and Pumbaa, Simba must face the treacherous Scar who wants the crown for himself.

The Incredibles (2004)

Age rating: U | Running time: 1 hour 55 minutes

This film will have the family’s imagination whirring as you think what life would be like if you all had special powers. The movie follows Mr Incredible and his family of superheroes who must don super suits and work together to save the world.

When Mr Incredible gets into trouble it’s up to his wife, Elastigirl, and two children, Violet and Dash, to save him. Meanwhile, the youngest of the siblings, Jack-Jack, stays at home and terrorises his babysitter.

WALL-E (2008)

Age rating: U | Running time: 1 hour 38 minutes

The futuristic tale of WALL-E features a lonely robot who humans have deserted to clean up the planet on his own. After several years of cleaning, WALL-E encounters EVE, another robot, who is on a mission to find signs of life on Earth.

WALL-E joins EVE on her travels and the pair explore the galaxy finding love and secrets about the future of humanity. This story is full of loveable characters and provides lots of opportunities for laughter, regardless of your child’s age.

Finding Nemo (2003)

Age rating: U | Running time: 1 hour 40 minutes

In this underwater caper, Nemo gets lost and his timid dad Marlin faces a perilous journey across the ocean to find him.

Along the way, Marlin befriends iconic characters, including a forgetful but kind-hearted fish named Dory. During their search, they encounter sharks, travel with turtles, and learn the true meaning of family, friendship and courage.

Peter Pan (1953)

Age rating: U | Running time: 1 hour 21 minutes

This is the oldest film on our list and arguably the most timeless. The film is based on J.M. Barrie's beloved tale of a boy who never grows old, Peter Pan. He whisks away his friend Wendy and her brothers to a world of pirates, mermaids, and pixie dust.

Together with the mischievous fairy Tinker Bell, they confront the infamous Captain Hook and his crew. The children face thrilling battles and discover the power of imagination whilst trying to avoid crocodiles!

Cinderella (1950)

Age rating: U | Running time: 1 hour 16 minutes

One of Disney's most well-known films, Cinderella has since been re-made into a live-action film but the animated original hasn't aged and can still entertain the whole family despite being released in 1950. If you don't know already the film follows Cinderella who is at the mercy of her evil stepsisters and forced to be a servant.

When a royal ball is announced Cinderella is helped by her fairy godmother to win over Prince Charming. This timeless tale weaves magic, love, and courage and with a running time of just over an hour is suitable for children of any age.

One Hundred and One Dalmatians (1961)

Age rating: U | Running time: 1 hour 19 minutes

This film is great for the family as it celebrates the power of love, bravery, and the bond between people and animals. It stars the infamous Cruella de Vil as she plots to steal adorable Dalmatian puppies for her own fashion purposes.

She wants to make coats out of the dog’s skin but Pongo and Perdita, the parents of the kidnapped pups, have other ideas. They lead a daring rescue mission and try to outwit Cruella and her thugs with the help of their animal friends.

The Muppets (2011)

Age rating: U | Running time: 1 hour 43 minutes

People and puppets mix for this funny film as Walter, the world's biggest Muppets fan, must save the former Muppets studio from demolition. Walter is joined by his brother and his brother’s girlfriend on a mission to reunite the Muppets and save their old haunt.

They plan to hold the world’s longest telethon to raise money and save the studio. The film is filled with the classic comedy of the Muppets as they rediscover the importance of their friendship and emerge from hiding.

Monsters, Inc. (2001)

Age rating: U | Running time: 1 hour 32 minutes

If your child is scared of monsters, the loveable duo Sully and Mike are bound to change their mind.

In the world of Monstropolis, where monsters generate power from children's screams, Sulley and Mike are the top scare team at Monsters, Inc. But, when a human child accidentally enters their realm, they must find a way to help her return home. On their travels, they unravel the secrets of their monster world and realise the power of laughter over fear.

Rated PG:

Toy Story (1995)

Age rating: PG | Running time: 1 hour 21 minutes

Toy Story was released nearly 30 years ago and still captures the hearts of families. It features Andy, whose toys come alive when he is not around. Woody the cowboy is Andy’s favourite but he is threatened by the arrival of Buzz Lightyear. When the two opposing toys get separated from Andy, they must work together to find their way back home and find friendship along the way.

The Toy Story films brought sophisticated storylines, belly laughs and heart to children's movies – we challenge anyone not to sob when Andy leaves home in Toy Story 4 – so, they're perfect family viewing.

You can watch all 4 Toy Story movies and the recent Lightyear spin-off (2022) on Disney Plus.

Dumbo (2019)

Age rating: PG | Running time: 1 hour 52 minutes

Dumbo was first released in 1941 and this 2019 remake is excellent for children who are fans of both animals and magic. If you're unfamiliar with the story of Dumbo it follows the gifted elephant whose big ears mean he can fly.

Before learning to fly he is ridiculed but quickly becomes the main attraction of the circus he is travelling with when people discover his talent. Soon an entrepreneur comes to give Dumbo his own show but not everything is as it seems.

The Little Mermaid (2023)

Age rating: PG | Running time: 2 hours 15 minutes

The Little Mermaid reimagines its 1989 predecessor with a gripping story that follows the young mermaid princess, Ariel. When Ariel visits the surface and falls in love with a prince, she makes a deal with an evil witch to transform her into a human for three days.

During the time Ariel is a human she must receive a “true love's kiss” from Prince Eric to remain human permanently. If she fails, she will transform back into a mermaid and belong to Ursula. The newer version of this film keeps you entertained for the duration but is better for those aged 6+ solely because of its length.

Zootopia (2016)

Age rating: PG | Running time: 1 hour 48 minutes

This animated adventure is excellent for kids with curious minds as a rookie rabbit police officer teams up with a sly fox to solve a mysterious case. While searching for a missing Otter, they uncover a conspiracy that threatens to divide their animal world.

This film will have you scratching your head as you try to work out which animal is behind the sinister plot. It provides a great middle-ground between a whodunnit and child-friendly comedy with some laugh-out-loud moments.

Ice Age (2002)

Age rating: PG | Running time: 1 hour 21 minutes

It might feel like this film was released back in the Ice Age (2002 to be exact), but it still offers laughs, action, and adventure that are as enjoyable today. Set in the prehistoric era, a crew of animals take on a perilous journey to reunite a human baby with its family.

Among them are a woolly mammoth named Manny, a sloth named Sid, and a sabre-toothed tiger named Diego. The film was so successful there are now 6 movies in the franchise and video games. The movies are all available on Disney Plus.

Christopher Robin (2018)

Age rating: PG | Running time: 1 hour 44 minutes

This heartwarming live-action film follows the adult Christopher Robin (the child in Winnie-the-Pooh), who has lost his way in the busy world of adulthood. When his chips are down his childhood friends from the Hundred Acre Wood reappear.

The famous Winnie, Tigger, and Piglet, help Christopher rediscover the joys of imagination, friendship, and the importance of family. Get ready to have your heart filled with this tale which will bring a smile to the whole family’s face...and maybe some sentimental tears for mum and dad, too.

Moana (2016)

Age rating: PG | Running time: 1 hour 47 minutes

A sing-along choice for all the family, with over 14 tracks by Lin-Manual Miranda to belt out during the course of the movie. Moana, the star of the film, is a young princess from the Pacific Islands. She sets sail to save her once bountiful land which has been suffering from a curse caused by a demigod.

Moana braves treacherous seas, encounters mythical creatures and discovers her own identity as she follows her calling to become a wayfinder (an expert navigator). Along the way, Moana learns about the importance of nature, the power of her ancestors and the strength that comes from embracing her true self.

Pinocchio (2022)

Age rating: PG | Running time: 1 hour 45 minutes

You may have already told your child that their nose will grow if they lie, so why not show them where this originates from? This recent production is a live-action adaptation of the classic journey of Pinocchio, a wooden puppet brought to life by a magical wish.

In a charming Italian village, Pinocchio yearns to become a real boy. His life takes an unexpected turn when he decides to part ways with his father and joins a circus. He must face many trials and tribulations, encountering crooks and even a whale.

Turning Red (2022)

Age rating: PG | Running time: 1 hour 40 minutes

This heart-warming coming-of-age story is centred around Mei Lee, a 13-year-old girl who turns into a panda whenever she experiences strong emotions.

Mei must navigate the challenges of adolescence as she encounters school bullies and mean friends. Whilst growing up, and being a red panda, Mei also has to keep her overprotective mother happy.

Raya and The Last Dragon (2021)

Age rating: PG | Running time: 1 hour 47 minutes

For fans of fantasy and dragons, this one is for you. Raya and The Last Dragon is set in the mystical land of Kumandra where humans and dragons used to live together. 500 years ago, all dragons sacrificed themselves to save humanity from monsters.

Now, those same monsters have returned. Raya, a brave warrior, must set out on a quest to find the last dragon and restore peace to her divided land. Along the way, she encounters magical creatures and faces formidable challenges in a heartfelt adventure for the whole family.

Soul (2020)

Age rating: PG | Running time: 1 hour 40 minutes

Soul is a film about finding the meaning of life, while being suitable for the whole family. Joe is the main character and a middle school band teacher who never fulfilled his ambition to be a full-time jazz musician.

On the day he lands the biggest gig of his career, Joe nearly dies by falling down a manhole. This causes his soul to be separated from his body and he finds himself in the `Great Before`. He must try and exit this realm and reattach his soul to his body, making some friends along the way.

Enchanted (2007)

Age rating: PG | Running time: 1 hour 47 minutes

A princess story with a modern twist, despite being over 15 yeas old. Enchanted is set in the fairy-tale land of Andalasia where Giselle, the main character, falls in love with Prince Edward. When Giselle arrives at the castle to marry her Prince Charming, his evil stepmother sends her to New York City, a place where there are `no happy ever afters'.

A divorce lawyer comes to her rescue, but can Giselle find her way back to her home and husband-to-be?

The sequel Disenchanted was released last year and has rave reviews if you enjoy Enchanted.

Frozen (2013)

Age rating: PG | Running time: 1 hour 48 minutes

Frozen is one of Disney’s most popular animated musicals of all time with an iconic soundtrack you won't be able to help singing along to.

The story follows sisters Anna and Elsa. When the kingdom of Arendelle is locked in an eternal winter, Anna must go on a mission to find her sister and break the icy spell. She is joined by lovable snowman Olaf, ice-harvester Kristoff and his singing reindeer Sven.

Turning the notion of true love and happy ever afters on its head, Frozen is a modern classic that the whole family can watch over and over again.

Lightyear (2022)

Age rating: PG | Running time: 1 hour 45 minutes

If your family loves Toy Story then this film is for you. It follows the origin story of the legendary space ranger Buzz Lightyear. Buzz joins forces with fresh space ranger recruits to battle the evil Zurg and a whole army of robots.

The film explores the human behind the toy as he embarks on an intergalactic mission to battle evil forces across space. This movie wastes no time and is action-packed from the start, so strap in.

Holes (2003)

Age rating: PG | Running time: 2 hours 0 minutes

Stanley Yelnats is the star of the show unjustly taken to a detention camp in the desert. Inmates are forced to dig mysterious holes every day but soon Stanley unravels the secrets of Camp Green Lake, uncovering hidden treasure and a dark family curse. Alongside a diverse group of fellow campers, he must confront the past, face dangerous challenges, and unearth the truth that has haunted his family for generations.

Holes is based on the acclaimed award-winning novel of the same name, which is sometimes studied in Key Stage 2 of the UK curriculum. It is best suited to slightly older children.

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